DUBAI — Media network Al Jazeera said yesterday a code adopted by Arab states to govern satellite broadcasting could shackle freedom of expression.
“Any code of ethics or governance for journalistic practices should emerge, and be governed, from within the profession and not be imposed externally by political institutions,” Wadah Khanfar, director general of Al Jazeera, said in a statement issued yesterday. Arab information ministers on Tuesday endorsed the charter, which allows host countries to annul or suspend the license of any broadcaster found in violation of the rules it sets.
It echoes the language found in press laws used by some Arab countries to prosecute journalists critical of their respective governments.
The charter bans broadcasting material seen undermining “social peace, national unity, public order and general propriety” — accusations which Arab governments often throw at their opponents.
“Al Jazeera considers the adoption of the charter ... a risk to the freedom of expression in the Arab world,” the Qatar-based network said.
“Some of the language contained within the charter is ambiguous and could be interpreted to actively hinder independent reporting from the region.”
